Tuesday, May 9, 2017

We have SO much to blog. A couple of amazing trips filled the last five weeks with tons of fun and sun. I'll get to more details on the trips another day, but today I wanted to share a couple of Sophi quotes.

While Christi and I were gone last week, my amazing sister Jennifer came and took care of our kids. Yes, all 10 of them. Yes, all by herself. Yes, she was still alive when we returned after an 8-day trip! Over the last year or so, Jen has made a major lifestyle change. She committed herself to following the Whole 30 eating plan and has lost over 100 pounds. Way to go! Being fully committed to Whole 30, she did not eat the same meals that she made for the kids.

The night before she was going to return home, Jennifer was preparing a salad for the plane the next day. Sophi came up to her and asked: "How can you eat so healthy?"

Jen: "It's my only choice 'cuz I don't want to be a big fat cow."

Sophi: "Well, that's a good choice. My dad's a medium size cow."

Never one to mince words!

Another time, Jen was driving the kids home from Xander's soccer game and Lexi and Sophi were discussing (don't fall over from shock) Harry Potter. Lexi said how awesome J.K. Rowling is. She said, "Did you know J.K.'s name is JoAnn? And her friends call her Jo."

Sophi immediately piped up, "Hey, Jo! 'Sup?"

That struck Jen as so hilarious coming out of Sophi and she couldn't stop laughing. And for the rest of the day she'd randomly say to Sophi and Lexi, "Hey, Jo! 'Sup?" And they would all dissolve in giggles.

When did our cute little baby Sophi grow old enough to use teenage vernacular?

The time really does go fast. Sophia is so precious. We are tremendously lucky to have her in our lives! And another HUGE thanks to Jen for holding down the fort while we were gone:).

When we fell in love 20 years ago, we started down a path that has been challenging, exhausting, and breathtakingly beautiful. Here we chronicle the blessings and stressings of parenting some pretty amazing children. We think they're the perfect travel companions as we look forward to the next fork in the road. Welcome to our journey.

Jeremy and Christianne

Taylor Jeremy--18

Parker Matthew--17

The red-headed social butterfly, he's our all-star athlete, top student, outdoor-loving, spunky second-born, with a heart of pure gold!

Jessica Anne "Jesi"--14

Our little princess with the big smile, Jesi loves fashion, friends, hanging with her siblings, and vacations. She sparkles!

Jacob Michael-- 6/8/2004

Little one of heavenly birth, born too soon to bloom on earth. You have taught us so much--we love you, Jacob!

Emily Anne "Emmy"--9/28/2005

Emily's exquisite little hands and feet have left their mark in this world. Her body was tiny, but her spirit enormous. We miss her!

Elizabeth Mei "Elli"--13

Elli's world may be dark, but she's the light of our lives! Lover of music, chocolate, and new toys, she fights a courageous battle with autism while bringing joy to all who know her!!

Gracelin Kate "Graci"--19

Showing true grace throughout her battles with heart disease and pulmonary hypertension, our Gracester is loved by everyone! She's smart, gorgeous, friendly, and has faith to move mountains!

Alexander Philip "Xander"--12

With a spunk and smile that could outmatch anyone's, our Xander has not let Cloves Syndrome get the best of him. He's a talented chef, a caring friend to MANY, our best helper, and is full of teenage humor.

Alexis Li "Lexi"--13

Meet the friendliest girl on the planet! Blind from birth, Lexi amazes all of us with her braille skills, determination, talents, but mosly by the way she spends her days SMILING. She is an angel in every way. We are thrilled to have our darling daughter home six years from China!!

Sophia Breanne "Sophi"--9

Her eyes called out to us from half-way around the world. Little Sophi is growing up and we would do anything to freeze her in time! She's beautiful, smart, and coy and can do amazing things with her toes! She has inspired people all around the world and we can't believe she is ours. Sophi = perfection.

Calais Rose "Cali"--17

Charming Cali joined our family in December of 2012. This girl is beautiful both inside and out. Born with spina bifida, Cali is confined to a wheelchair, but that does not keep her from enjoying life to the fullest. She is smart, opinionated, strong, and lovely in every way. She is a light in our family and a magnet for handsome young men!

Conner Allen-- 17

Meet our newest addition! Home three years from China, Conner makes us wonder what we ever did without him. Blind from birth, he will blow you away with his incredible talent on the piano. He is sweet, witty, girl-crazy, kind and finally, OURS! We love you, Conner!

The Dog

Baxter-- 6 months

She begged and pleaded and wrote letter after letter telling us why she NEEDED a dog, and Sophi finally got her wish! Meet Baxter, the cutest mini-audssiedoodle on the planet.